Domestic Violence

If you are or have been, a victim of domestic violence, you should never be afraid to seek help or justice. Domestic violence affects both men and women from all walks of life. It’s not just current and former spouses/partners who it impacts. It can also distress parents, children and other family members. Should you want to pursue a resolution through the courts, Connaught Law will assign expert family solicitors to your case. They will have the experience to assist you during what will no doubt be a distressing time. Whatever your situation, you can count on us for the right legal help and advice.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is the systematic pattern of behaviour on the part of the abuser designed to control his partner.

The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. Anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner’s reaction is being abused. It can begin at any stage of the relationship. Domestic violence is rarely a one-off. Incidents become more frequent and severe over time.

It includes the following types of abuse, including:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional abuse

If you’re a victim of domestic violence you can talk to our expert solicitors on our helpline 0203 909 8399

Harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse are also types of domestic violence and abuse.

How Our Domestic Violence Solicitors Can Help

Our Domestic violence solicitors completely understand the situations arising in domestic abuse cases and advice on how to protect you and any children involved. If you are at immediate risk we act quickly to obtain a court injunction and to take steps to ensure the orders are complied with and enforced.

The types of orders that may be available include:

A Non-Molestation Order prevents the Respondent from using or threatening violence against you (and if applicable, your child/children) or intimidating, harassing or pestering you. This is to ensure your health, safety and well-being (and if applicable that of your child/children).

An Occupation Order controls who can live in a property. It can also restrict the Respondent from entering a certain area.

If you do not feel safe living with the Respondent or you have left because of violence or intimidation and want to return without the Respondent being there, the order you would apply for is an Occupation Order.

Your immigration status if you’re a victim of domestic violence

• Apply for a 3-month extension to your current visa and access to public funds (benefits) – do this if you’re struggling with money (it’ll help you support yourself before you apply for indefinite leave to remain)
• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) – this is more complicated but if you’re successful, will be worth the extra time and effort
• Claim asylum in the UK – if you’re unable to go back to your home country because you fear persecution, and want to stay in the UK as a refugee

Our family law solicitors provide clear, independent advice based on many years’ experience of dealing with domestic violence, child matters and legal matters related to family law. If you are dealing with a difficult issue to do with marriage, divorce, children, or any other family situation and need specialist family solicitors in London to advise you, we are here to help.